Radio Procedures for Pilots

Learning to communicate effectively with ATC can be a difficult skill to learn on your own. We have provided some basic information that will help you as a pilot communicate more efficiently with ATC on the VATSIM network.

Text Communication

One area within VATSIM that differs greatly from the real world is the capability to use text when talking to ATC. There are some benefits and disadvantages to using text.

Readbacks

When time permits, a readback from the pilot should be given for any ATC instructions. Always do a complete readback of a clearance. Since a voice endorsement is something that a controller must earn, it is not unusual to see someone at Clearance Delivery using text only. Always do a complete readback with the Clearance Delivery position on text. Sometimes controllers will advance to higher positions without the voice endorsement, or may not have access to a microphone.

One of the most difficult positions for a pilot to communicate with via text is Tower. If a Tower, or radar position, gives a clearance via text then a simple "rgr" or "wilco" will suffice from the pilot. The reason for this is the information can not be misheard because it is available on the screen. In short, always do full readbacks when you are able. This will add to the realism that we attempt to achieve. And always follow the golden rule for text communications.

Aviate --> Navigate --> Communicate

For example, ifa controller instructs a pilot to turn to a heading, the pilot should start the turn immediately, then reply.

Voice Communications

Setting up your Microphone

Always use the Push To Talk function for your microphone. NEVER setup for voice activation. This causes allot of issues with numerous people on one frequency.

Courtesy

After tuning to a new frequency , LISTEN to the activity before you make a radio call. If you hear a controller issuing and instruction or clearance, wait for the pilot to give his readback before making your radio call. In the same respect, try to respond as soon as possible to any instructions so that people waiting for you to respond will be able to make their calls.

Brevity

The key to successful ATC operations in a busy area is to give quick instructions. When you make a radio call, be brief. Think of the shortest approved way to respond to any message. Example:

AAL152 - "Washington Tower, AAL152, LDA 19."

ATC - "AAL152, Washington Tower, Washington National winds 180 at 10, Altimeter 2999, Runway 19 cleared to land."

AAL152 - "Runway 19 cleared to land, AAL152. "

OR

AAL152 - "Potomac Departure, AAL152 climbing through 2,100 for 5,000."

ATC - "AAL152, Potomac Departure, radar contact, climb and maintain one seven thousand."

AAL152 - "Seventeen thousand, AAL152."

Compliance

Controllers aim to provide the fastest, safest, method of moving traffic. This sometimes requires pilots to make quick adjustments, or for the controller to quickly. If you do not understand something that is said by ATC then your only response needs to be "Say Again". If you are uncomfortable doing something that ATC has given you as an option then you can decline. Example:

ATC - "AAL152, Washington Tower, Winds 180 at 10, Altimeter 2999, Runway 19 cleared for immediate departure, traffic is a Boeing 757 on 4 mile final."

If you are not prepared or uncomfortable with an immediate departure, assuming you are holding short of the runway and not on it, your response could be.

AAL152 - "Washington Tower AAL152, Unable."

ATC - "AAL152 Washington Tower, roger hold short runway 19."

The above scenario only works with optional clearancesor instructions. These could be an alternate route, STAR, SID, or conditional take off clearance. This does not mean that you say "Unable" if you can't figure out how to program your FMC to make a left turn to 300.